by B. White

Holla!
Seventy-three thousand (73,000) down 172,000 to go, I-Witness touching Black people all over the city of Milwaukee, and the world one event at a time.
Black People are the First Wonder of the World...
"Until the Lion writes his own story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter."
---African proverb ---
Thought for the Week
"If you fall, fall on your back; if you can look up, you can get up."
---The People's Champ-Kwabena Nixon

Happy Father's Day

Let us recognize fathers this year in a big way because they are so special in a child's life. Moms, if your child has no active male presence in their life, take him to celebrate with another father. The two of you can make a card to give to that special man. You can write whatever you chose on the card, but the point should be to adopt a dad this father's day.

To all fathers, this Father's Day bring your children closer to you and bring a new child that you know into your life who has no active male in their life Happy Father's Day!
Holla-Outs
Hey, Cynthia Wilson of the Milwaukee Steppers and Boppers United; you know you are my favorite besides Vanna White, Holla!
To: Rogerick Toombs, you know you are too fine and R&B singer Eric Benet ought to quit "hatin' on you," Holla!
To: Chanell Wilder, I enjoyed chatting with you and to find out you are a big-time I-Witness reader too... You know I loved it!
To: Lauren Bridgeman over at Hampton University, you go girl!
Get Well Holla-Out
To: Tyrone Dumas, I know you thought I have forgotten about you, but you know they have had me rollin'. I know you are recuperating well after all, I hear you're doing you a bit on the radio. Hope you are getting much needed rest.
Hey, Aunt Janice Allison, I hear you are a bit under the weather, you know I have adopted you so you have to get better so you can cook for me, Holla!
Birthday-Holla-Outs
Ok Shon Perry, we all knew it was your birthday and you partied down at Club Deville for your 3-day Gemini Birthday Bash for the "grown and sexy." Happy Birthday, girl.
Hey, Joyce Birts, "It's yo Birthday, It's yo Birthday," Happy Birthday.
To: Jenell Elder-Green I hear you had the big birthday luncheon up at Soche' Milwaukee, I know you're only 35, Holla! Happy Birthday!
Condolences
To: the family of Minister Ivory Lee Corothers. Our prayers are with you.
Congratulations
To: Douglas Holton, the city's first African American fire chief. Holton wants to focus on prevention and inspections, especially of older properties, to reduce fatal fires.
Mayor Barrett announced the 10th year "2006 Urban Design Award Winners" to recognize bold, interesting designs that captivate the public's interest in Milwaukee. More than155 projects have been recognized since 1997 for exceptional design, facade improvements, landscaping and even signage.
Award Category: Better Together:
Gee's Clippers on King Drive & Soche Milwaukee Restaurant and Lounge
2213-2215 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Design by: Cityscape
Award Category: Reincarnation: Breeze's Saloon & Residence
338 W. Reservoir, Design by: Two Hands Renovation.
Hey, Theresa Jemison, I hear you are retiring from General Motors after thirty years, I heard some beautiful things about you and it was all about love. Congratulations!

The Internet

AOL/Associated Press News reported: A New Orleans police officer accused of beating Robert Davis, a retired schoolteacher after Hurricane Katrina has apparently committed suicide. We all watched the beating on television. Davis, who was in New Orleans to check on his property after Katrina, went out to buy a pack of cigarettes.

The officers claimed that Davis was drunk and causing problems as well as resisting arrest and they were trying to restrain him. We all know it was a lie. An Associated Press photographer captured Lance Schilling and a fellow officer allegedly beating the man.

Schilling had not worked for the department since 2005 when he was indicted.

In the News

Senator Gary George

Former State Senator Gary George, who is in a halfway house, has been mentioned in a failed plot to overthrow the communist government of Laos. Here again, we have folks talking, having a conversation and they look up they are in big trouble for doing what all citizens have a right to do in this country, talk. If Gary George had the power to influence to over throw a government surely, he would have done that here before he was sentenced to jail.

This whole thing with informants entrapping people through sheer conversation has to stop. If George had told them where to go buy anti-aircraft missiles, AK-47 assault rifles, grenades and other explosives or gave them money then yes he could be deemed part of their conspiracy. But it’s a different story when someone comes to visit you in jail and has a conversation with you about a problem they are having. If that person asks you what you think about the problem and you tell them ... come on let’s get a life. This is not the way the constitution is supposed to work, entrapment by conversation there must be an action to the words.

Michael McGee, Jr.

Like in the case of Alderman Mike McGee who is being held in jail in lien of a $100,000 bail for allegedly using slang that was supposedly heard on wiretap that someone needed his or her cap pulled back. The courts just rule the other day in essence you cannot keep violating folk’s civil rights, we have a constitution for a reason, and you cannot use it against people for thinking or saying something in conversation without action. The American people need to wake up and start looking at what is happening around them before we are all silenced.

Television

WISN 12 Investigative Reporter Colleen Henry gets I-Witness’s best reporter of the week thumbs up for her sensitive handling of the story of Alderman Ashanti Hamilton’s mother’s arrest on alleged drug charges. Most news stations would have sensationalized this unfortunate family story. Henry handled it was compassion and care.

Alderman Hamilton has never hid the fact that his family like many families has been touched by the ills of drug addiction and yes it is a tragedy when it’s your mom. Unless you have walked in the shoes of young people and children like Ashanti then you will never know their pain nor will you know what keeps them going in spite of their challenges.

Let us learn from Alderman Hamilton what we have to give to other children as a tool to fight with when they are under circumstances where their parents are drug users. Lets take this tragedy to support the Alderman, show him some love. We can learn a lot from him about perseverance, determination and a quest to live life like everyone else in spite of the challenges that could have stirred him into the darkest of the world of drugs. Lets find out what was in him that kept him from that world. Alderman Hamilton, thank you for showing thousands of children who are just like you a way out and showing them, Yes, you can, can in spite of.

Politics

The recent developments on the special committee to wipe out affirmative action were successfully turned around. Senator Glenn Grothman, Chairperson of the committee decided that affirmative action is no longer needed in the state of Wisconsin. Knowing that he did not have the vote to advance the discontinuance of Affirmative Action, he attempted to use tactics, (here we go again y’all) to limit discussion on the issue trying to silence those who found a need for it’s continued existence.

Well Black legislatures like Rep. Barbara Toles and Senator Lena Taylor took it to him. It became so heated that an unknown person told Senator Taylor to shut up, what a way to not only disrespect a woman but a state senator who was doing what she was voted in to do -- represent her constituents. The poor guy was lucky he was not in another state recently where they punch you out to solve things.

The other members on the committee had the foresight to trump Senator Grothman and his tactics by continuing inclusion and opportunity for all the citizens of Wisconsin.

Senator Taylor often folks want you to be quiet, Holla! But thanks for knowing when not to shut the hell up.

Paris, You’re Hot, Hot, Hot

Okay y’all, you know I can’t pass Paris up after all she has taught us so much this pass week. Paris Hilton is considered an American celebrity, socialite, actress and recording artist. She is an heiress to a share of the Hilton Hotels fortune. Paris you are a "Hot Mess." You have taught us many things: how to be a big girl, go to jail and take your medicine because you knew you would only do a matter of days because perhaps your parents paid Sheriff Lee Baca to let you out. We also learned that there is a pay jail for rich people. Rich people can do a crime go to court and a judge can sentence them to pay jail, a nice resort where they pay to stay and to do their time. At the pay jail rich criminals can golf, tan, go to the spa, order dinner out and have their friends spend the night and party. Wow, I think I want to go to the pay jail.

We also learned it is truly who you know, if you have some money, you can get almost anything done. We also learned how to stall the judge, just tell him you have medical records which show why you shouldn’t be in jail...boy rich people got it like that. We further learned how to hold up the system in ridicule for the powerful and the famous thus giving them special treatment because they are the powerful and famous.

I guess two things failed you one public opinion and a judge. You talked all that big girl stuff, doing your time but your family did not count on Judge Michael T. Sauer, who does not play and is known to be a fair and good judge.

Paris, many poor unknown people who owe tickets and are in jail for less serious offenses as yours would love to go to the pay jail. Or perhaps would love to pay a Sheriff to release them. They would love to have money and know people in high places where they can play sick and get out of jail.

I hear that now that you are in jail you have found God and are no longer going to play dumb because it isn’t cute. I also hear that you want to rededicate your life to doing good things. I have a suggestion, start helping those in jail get a new start in life.

I hope you have learned some hard lessons, I believe in giving young people second chances so I’m willing to give you another chance. Thank you, Judge Michael T. Sauer, for having integrity, letting everyone know that when ‘Lady Liberty’ fails us and pulls her blinders up to green or the rich and famous over fairness and equal treatment, we have another part of the judiciary process that can try to make her work for all people.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

I-Witness (center) poses with representatives of Goodwill Industries, where she was surprised with a party in her honor. Employees of Goodwill Industries thanked I-Witness for her four-part "In My Shoes" series on the organization. (photo by Barbara White)

Okay y’all it’s not often you can surprise I-Witness but I can tell this year my average is low, Holla! I received a call from Dorothy Buchanna, who is the vice president at Goodwill Industries. She who wanted me to come and pick up something, I asked her what it was and she stated it was a little token the workers wanted to share with me. I told her it wasn’t necessary because I write story because they have great human interest or are just plain good lifestyle stories. I guess not to be undone she kept on until we could set a date for me to come there. Last week was that day.

When I arrived Dorothy Buckhanna was at the door waiting for me. Did I feel special the VP waiting on me. We greeted each other and proceeded to walk and talk. As we got to a dark door way she stopped to chat and then said lets go in, I was wondering why would she take me into a darkroom, but never the less I followed. My eyes could not quite adjust after coming out of the sun but I could feel lots of spirits in the room, then all of a sudden, I heard surprise and the lights went on.

Here sitting in front of me were more than 50 of my friends Brittany Bohlman, Diane Schmidt, David Lindsay who has the nicest smile, Sammuel Piggie, Erma Barksdale, Besty Moore and my girl Paula Holland and staff that I had spent the day with doing my series "In My Shoes" where I became a worker for the day at Goodwill Industries. To say I was undone is an understatement. They shared with me, that they wanted to host a reception for me to thank me for telling their story to the community. Y’all know I was speechless.

Debra came to me and took my hand, had me follow her to this easel which was draped in this beautiful fabric with two big pretty pink flowers attached. I was still speechless as Debra continued. She said, "we wanted to thank you for the good things you wrote about us and Goodwill. So I present my works as a gift to you on behalf of all of us." She unveiled the draping and there was a beautiful piece of framed art work that she did called the African Mofti, ok I was almost in tears and still speechless. All of my friends clapped for me as I mustard and struggled for words. I hugged Debra and thanked her and found the words to tell my new friends that I wished I could have told all their stories, and that I thought all of them were pretty special because not only do they dare to live life in spite of their challenges but through the eyes of the "In My Shoes" series their lives have shown those who didn’t believe they could do anything else, y’all showed them, "yes, you can can, can" and I thank you for that. We took pictures, shared hugs and had all sorts of cookies, punch and coffee.

John Miller the President of Goodwill was also on hand and made me a cup of coffee as well as another worker. I love his common man touch.

Many of the staff members I worked with on that day came down to greet me also, like Tom the employment specialist, who is always on the front lines fighting to get those with disabilities employment so they can feel that worth of being employed. Deb Wenzel who is blind but knows no limitations and Juvenalis Asantemungu the intern from Africa who is studying all the good things that Goodwill does to take home to his country. He shared with me that Asante’ Sana in Swahili means Thank God, So very much.

My new friends continue to greet me sweet Venora Hardy, Chrystal Gillion Mabry, and Willie Winter. Again I thanked them all and told them of some of my next job assignments. When I become a barber for the day, none other than the president of Goodwill will be joining me to get his hair cut, Holla! I ran into Venie Sanders, Vickie Pullian and my girl Brenda Marion, who is almost Jamaican, she is the cashier, the caterer, she cooks, prepares food, and direct students service as a teacher mentor, she is very talented. Perhaps when I return she will be wearing the big title that displays all her skills.

As I departed Artist Lynn Carus walked with me to show me some of her beautiful artwork she is really good. She did a "Liberty Bell" and calls it Freedom, I loved it. Lynn’s works will be in an exhibit at the Summer Art Fair. She said she read "In My Shoes" herself and she loved it. Then she said you know I’m a floater worker wherever they need me, I go work, with a big smile she says I love working here, I’ve been here for 8 years.

Hey, Dorothy and John you know all of you made my day. I felt really good when you told me I didn’t need a pass to come to Goodwill because I was now family, you touched my heart. I want all of you to know we got great response from all of those who read your story and their surprise to see that you were more than retail stores was amazing.

Many began to feel proud and a kinship to Goodwill as they talked of the many things they have donated and knowing now that their donation go to doing so many good things. I want to say Asante’ Sana to all of you for the wonderful reception, and gift but I am equally thankful for y’all daring to dream big and singing, "Yes, you can can, can why can’t you if you wanta, yes, you can can!" Keep believing in and creating miracles, Yahoooo miracles! I love it!

Ain’t no party like a party

HBCU party

They partied the night away. Many Milwaukee alumni of 10 different Historically Black Colleges/Universities partied at the Prince Masonic Hall. (photo by Barbara White)

Numerous Historically Black Colleges (HBCU) united and joined to bring the alumni of the HBCU together to become a united front at Prince Hall Masonic Hall.

The alumnus gathered to provide activities, raise money for scholarships for each of the eleven chapter here, according to Co-chairs Etta Ogbetuo and Kathy Bevy. The eleven chapters are Alcorn, Grambling, Jackson State University, Lane College, Mississippi Valley State University, Southern State, Tougaloo College, Tennessee State University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Florida A&M University and Spelman and you’d be surprised by how many Milwaukeeans have attend HBCUs.

Okay y’all it was a party, with everyone wearing their school T-shirt to represent. They played dominoes, cards and what’s a college party without an Omega Psi Phi-Q Dog barking step show Holla!

There was a raffle of all kinds of things; balloons graced each table in all of the school colors representing. And there was a nice spread catered by Cassandra Jackson of Mina Catering.

It was a party y’all with maestro Phil Anderson of WMCS 1290 rockin' the place! Have you ever been to a college party where they didn’t know how to party? They did all the line dances and then they did the soul train line, which was hilarious. I loved the multi-generation atmosphere and party. Not to be undone, other southern Black college alumni joined from schools like Morgan State University, Lincoln University, Central State University and Clark Atlanta.

Kathy Bevy stated: "We wanted to bring the chapters together to bond and fellowship. Many alumni in the city may not have known they have a chapter here. Plus it’s a way to bring in some of the young alumni and get to know them."

Hey, HBCUs I had a good time; ain’t no party like a college party. Keep advancing that next generation, I love It!

It’s Yo’ Birthday, It’s Yo’ Birthday!

Minne Lee Grayer (center) poses with her many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at her recent birthday celebration. Grayer turned 98 years young. (Inset photo) Grayer (l) shows off the family gift given to her, a beautiful ring. With Grayer is her daughter Lillie Ann. (photos by Barbara White)

The family of Queen Minnie Lee Grayer threw a big bash for her celebrating her 98th birthday at the Lincoln Park Pavilion. Minnie has a huge family with four generations. Minnie shared with me that she wasn’t that old as her grandson Tony Robinson teased her about her age. Minnie Lee Grayer says, "it’s a blessing from God’s that I’m still here." I asked her what does she contribute to her longevity? Her grandson interjects, "worrying everybody," he said as he laughed.

Queen Grayer worked in private homes as a domestic cleaner; she also worked as a cook and worked in many stores. She is the mother of six children, 22 grandchildren and they could not begin to count the great grand children and believe there were a plenty, Holla!

She said again, "I’m Blessed to still be here with y’all." She states: "we have to teach the children how to pray and serve God, this is a real nice party."

Folks came from all over to celebrate this dynamic woman and show her some love. Joe and Betty Dorsey of Bugorland, Texas, Chavcin Balve of Cincinnati, Ohio, Marcus Chin and Donald Smith of Atlanta, Georgia, Kimberely Brown, Dieter Sr. and Dieter Jr., David, Damond and Sherry, Lionel and Elizabeth Hollen and Diamond Robin Jones all of Chicago.

Part of Minnie’s is a group of Smiths many know them as The Dazzel Band back in the day, they were a very talented singing family.

Many of the grandchildren paid tribute to their grandmother with song. Ronald Smith was the Master of Ceremonies and he was funny, he stated "grandma was born back in 1909 and their main transportation was a horse and buggy and gas was not $3.35." He had everyone stand, clap and sing Happy Birthday Minnie. Donald Smith serenaded his grandmother with "Amazing Grace." Her son J.C. Grayer talked of her wisdom and said young people don’t know how to talk to her but they need to get it. "I have one of the sweetest mothers to ever walk this earth. Yes, she would tie you to the bed until she went and got her strap and that’s why I have respect for all my elders right now today. And she made sure we went to church," he said.

Her daughter Lillie Ann Smith gave honor to God, family, grand children. She states, "it feels like a family reunion here." She shared with us how devilish her mom used to be playing jokers on them. Betty Jean gave honor and thanks to the queen saying "all my years of growing up Minnie was always there for me. In 1972 I met the man of my dreams and Minnie told me to go for it and I have been married 32 years."

Laurie Ann Smith, vocalist with the Band Black Earth Plus, said: "it is truly a blessing to be here with you granny and we love you so so dearly and she serenaded her in song."

There were many other tributes from her loved ones, including tributes from Toni Rees, 6-year-old Sommer Hayes, Renee Cheatham and Ronald had to give us humor again. He stated when he is at his grandmother’s house she always asks him to sing one song she likes, "Walk It out, a walk it out" everyone was rollin' on the floor.

Renee Gordon, Minne’s granddaughter also gave a fitting tribute to her grandmother. Minnie raised Renee.

Her son J.C. then presented her the family gift; a rock that kind of blinds you. It was her birthstone and he placed it on her finger, I was touched.

The message to the young people there was take to time to sit and listen to your elders.

There was a nice spread and all kinds of cakes, cheesecakes, carrot and a beautiful basket shaped cake with a handle. The party was on and guess what y’all I saw it with my own yes: Queen Minnie was on the floor as they played her favorite song, "Walk it Out!" And yes, she walked it out I loved it! Even little a 16-month-old baby girl got out on the floor and she danced at least a good six songs, she was too cute. It was a party y’all and they all partied like Rock stars.

Hey Queen Minnie, you know when I grow up, I’m going to be just like you and I’m going to walk it out, walk it out, Happy Birthday and a 100 more.